Fethiye: A Jewel on the Turquoise Coast

• HelloMerhaba
  [Mehr-hah-bah]
• GoodbyeHoşçakal
  [Hosh-chakal]
• YesEvet
  [Eh-vet]
• NoHayır
  [Hah-yuhr]
• Please/You're welcomeLütfen
  [Loot-fen]
• Thank youTeşekkür ederim
  [Teh-sheh-kur eh-deh-reem]
• Excuse me/SorryÖzür dilerim
  [Oz-ur dee-leh-reem]
• How are you?Nasılsınız?
  [Nah-suhl-suh-nuhz]
• Fine. And you?İyiyim. Siz?
  [Ee-yee-yim. Sehz]
• Do you speak English?İngilizce konuşuyor musunuz?
  [Ing-ee-leez-jeh kon-oo-shu-yor mooh-soo-nooz]
• I don't understandAnlamıyorum
  [Ahn-lah-muh-yor-um]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMenüyü görmek istiyorum, lütfen
  [Men-oo-yu ger-mek is-tee-yor-um, loot-fen]
• I don't eat meatEt yemem
  [Eht yeh-mem]
• Cheers!Şerefe!
  [Sheh-reh-feh]
• I would like to pay, pleaseÖdemek istiyorum, lütfen
  [Uh-deh-mek is-tee-yor-um, loot-fen]

• Help!Yardım edin!
  [Yar-duhm eh-deen]
• Go away!Uzaklaş!
  [Oo-zahk-lash]
• Call the Police!Polisi arayın!
  [Poh-lee-see ah-ryun]
• Call a doctor!Doktor çağırın!
  [Dohk-tor cha-uh-ruhn]
• I'm lostKayboldum
  [Kai-bol-doom]
• I'm illHastayım
  [Hahs-tah-yuhm]

• I'd like to buy...Satın almak istiyorum...
  [Sat-uhn al-mak is-tee-yor-um]
• I'm just lookingSadece bakıyorum
  [Sah-deh-jeh bah-koo-yor-um]
• How much is it?Ne kadar?
  [Neh kah-dar]
• That's too expensiveÇok pahalı
  [Chohk pah-hah-luh]
• Can you lower the price?Fiyatı indirebilir misiniz?
  [Fiyat-uh in-dee-reh-bee-leer mee-see-neez]

• What time is it?Saat kaç?
  [Saat kach]
• It's one o'clockSaat bir
  [Saat beer]
• Half past (10)On buçuk
  [On boo-chook]
• MorningSabah
  [Sah-bah]
• AfternoonÖğleden sonra
  [Oh-leh-den sonra]
• EveningAkşam
  [Ahk-shahm]
• YesterdayDün
  [Doon]
• TodayBugün
  [Boo-goon]
• TomorrowYarın
  [Yah-ruhn]
• 1Bir
  [Beer]
• 2İki
  [Ee-kee]
• 3Üç
  [Ooch]
• 4Dört
  [Durt]
• 5Beş
  [Besh]
• 6Altı
  [Ahl-tuh]
• 7Yedi
  [Yeh-dee]
• 8Sekiz
  [Sek-eez]
• 9Dokuz
  [Doh-kooz]
• 10On
  [On]

• Where's a/the...?... nerede?
  [Neh-reh-deh]
• What's the address?Adres ne?
  [Ad-rehs neh]
• Can you show me (on the map)?(Haritada) gösterebilir misiniz?
  [(Hah-ree-tah-dah) ger-steh-ree-bee-leer mee-see-neez]
• When's the next (bus)?Bir sonraki (otobüs) ne zaman?
  [Beer son-rah-kee (oh-toh-booos) neh zah-man]
• A ticket (to ....)Bir bilet (....'e)
  [Beer bee-let (eh)]

Fethiye, known in ancient times as Telmessos, was one of the most important cities of the Lycian civilization. Established around the 5th century BCE, Telmessos was renowned for its oracle, which was consulted by many leaders and statesmen. The city's strategic location along the coast made it a significant hub for trade and cultural exchange.

The Lycians, known for their unique funerary architecture, carved elaborate rock tombs into the cliffs of Fethiye. The most famous of these is the Tomb of Amyntas, dating back to the 4th century BCE. These tombs are a testament to the Lycian belief in an afterlife, where the dead were thought to need their earthly possessions.

After the decline of the Lycian civilization, Telmessos came under Roman rule in the 1st century BCE. The city continued to thrive under the Romans, who built numerous structures, including baths, theaters, and aqueducts. The Byzantine period saw the construction of several churches, reflecting the spread of Christianity across the region.

In the 15th century, Fethiye became part of the Ottoman Empire. During this period, the city was known as Makri and served as a significant port. The Ottomans built several mosques and other public buildings that still stand today, showcasing the architectural style of the period.

Fethiye was heavily damaged by a series of earthquakes in the 20th century, particularly the devastating quake of 1957. The city was rebuilt with modern infrastructure, transforming it into a vibrant tourist destination. Today, Fethiye blends its rich history with contemporary attractions, making it a unique place to explore.

Located near Fethiye, Kayaköy is a deserted village that stands as a poignant reminder of the population exchange between Greece and Turkey in 1923. The village, once home to a thriving Greek community, was abandoned, leaving behind hauntingly beautiful stone houses and churches that tell the story of a complex and emotional chapter in the region's history.

Fethiye is located on the southwestern coast of Turkey, in the Muğla Province. The nearest international airport is Dalaman Airport (DLM), which is approximately 50 kilometers away. From the airport, you can take a taxi, shuttle bus, or rent a car to reach Fethiye. The journey typically takes around 45 minutes by road. Additionally, there are bus services from major Turkish cities such as Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir directly to Fethiye.

Fethiye has a well-developed transportation system. Local minibuses, known as 'dolmuş,' are a convenient and affordable way to travel within the town and to nearby attractions. Taxis are readily available and can be hailed on the street or booked via phone. For a more flexible schedule, renting a car is a popular option, allowing you to explore the surrounding areas at your own pace. Bicycles and scooters are also available for rent, providing an eco-friendly way to get around.

The official currency in Turkey is the Turkish Lira (TRY). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops in Fethiye. However, it is advisable to carry some cash, especially for small purchases and in more remote areas. ATMs are plentiful throughout the town, and most offer an English language option. Currency exchange offices are also available for converting foreign currency.

Fethiye is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, it is always advisable to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. The main tourist areas such as the marina, the old town (Paspatur), and the beach promenades are safe, but be cautious in less populated areas. Pickpocketing can occur in busy markets and tourist hotspots, so stay vigilant.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. This number connects you to emergency medical services, fire, and police. Fethiye has a local police station and several medical facilities, including private and public hospitals. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are numerous pharmacies in the town where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, particularly when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect Islamic customs and traditions. When visiting mosques, ensure to cover your head and shoulders. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake or a nod. It's polite to use titles and surnames until invited to use first names. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite. Avoid drinking tap water; opt for bottled water instead.

To experience Fethiye like a local, visit the weekly Tuesday market where you can buy fresh produce, spices, and traditional goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the town's history and culture. Don't miss a visit to the Fethiye Museum, which showcases artifacts from the Lycian civilization. For a unique experience, take a boat trip to explore the nearby islands and hidden coves. Enjoy a traditional Turkish breakfast in one of the local cafés for an authentic taste of the region.